TTalk to your kids about their media use and monitor their activitiesAsk questions in an open and nonjudgmental wayWhat is your favorite TV show?

Seek information on media your child consumes (eg, connect in social media)What do you like to watch when you go over to your friend’s house?

Find out what TV, movies, applications, social media, and video games their friends likeHow do you interact with your friends on social media?

Stay informed about new media sourcesWhat new applications are you using?

EEducate your children about media-related risksDescribe marketing practices of alcohol, tobacco, food, and cannabis industriesDo you notice how alcohol companies use partying or sex to promote drinking?

Discuss how media rarely depicts negative consequences of risky behaviorThat show had a lot of drinking in it, but it didn’t show anyone getting sick.

Discuss normative, legal, and safe behavior as it relates to substance use and sexual behaviorIt’s uncommon for children your age to drink alcohol, and most don’t drink at all.

Model turning off inappropriate content and explain why it is not appropriateI’m sorry, but this show has too much alcohol use in it; we need to turn it off.Wow, that bullying was really mean. What might you have done differently to help?

Learn about your child’s applications, video games, social media, and Internet sourcesSpend time learning about who funds media sources and what data new media sources collectTell me about this new application you downloaded; how does it work?Who sponsors this application? Let’s find out together.

HEstablish house rules for media usageSet clear boundaries on rating level of media allowed and where media is allowed in the houseNo R-rated movies; only actively co-view PG-13 movies or shows over TV-Y7.Use technology (eg, TV show V-chip parental controls) to promote house rulesNo screened media in the bedroom.Set up rules specifically related to industry-sponsored mediaNo Facebook account until 13 y old.No industry-sponsored application or online game use.No youth smartphone ownership until eighth grade.